For more than two years Gogo teased the idea of splitting the company between its Commercial (airline) and Business (private) Aviation segments. The rumblings ebb and flow, but by mid-July the tone of the conversation was undeniable. Now the company confirmed the news. Gogo has retained outside advisors to assist with the formal process to “evaluate our strategic options” for the business.
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Seeking a strategic use for Viasat’s $175 million raise
Was Viasat’s recent deal to secure $175mm in new capital just a matter of convenient timing? Or is there a specific plan for the cash? CEO Mark Dankberg got into some of the possibilities today, including potential inflight connectivity opportunities, while clearly leaving the door open for many more options to come.
Virgin Australia to ditch twin-aisle fleet, focus on domestic and regional service
As part of its recapitalization plan Virgin Australia intends to retire its long-haul aircraft. The carrier’s five 777s and six A330s will be removed from service as it invests “in the core Virgin Australia domestic and short-haul international operation.”
Gogo to trim headcount as recovery optimism weakens
Gogo is eliminating 143 fulltime positions, predominantly from the Company’s Commercial Aviation business. The move aims to “align the scale of its organization with current demand for aviation connectivity services” as the current industry downturn continues to impact its revenue, especially in the commercial aviation segment.
Connectivity: Splitsville
‘Tis the season for restructuring in the aviation world. And for one supplier a deal years in the making may finally be on the horizon.
American Airlines takes control with new WiFi portal launch
American Airlines completed its inflight connectivity systems upgrade last year and now is taking that more difficult step, harmonizing the login portal for its passengers. An updated, unified interface deploys on the Viasat and Gogo-fitted aircraft this month.
Cutting connections: Reviewing the connected aircraft retirements
Hundreds of aircraft rapidly retired from service. Hundreds more shifted into limbo, unclear of when they might fly again. The news no longer surprises, though some of the retirements bring about a sense of loss. For inflight connectivity vendors the impact is more than a sense of loss, however, as it maps to real revenue shortfalls with the aircraft removed from service.
Accessible Lavs and more wifi flying: The Weekly Wrap–10 July 2020
Improved wifi offerings from multiple vendors leads this edition of the Weekly Wrap, while an option for more accessible lav access is our feature interview. Plus lots more!
Gogo brushes off new ZTE concerns
Gogo faces new challenges to some of its government contracts as the Feds look to push out any companies using technology from a handful of Chinese suppliers.
Ka-band inflight connectivity goes live in China
New product launches are rare and a successful one in China even more so. But Qingdao Airlines now has Ka-band inflight connectivity online, powered by China Satcom, FTS and Gilat.